Cornell University, a nationally ranked Ivy League institution, is looking for a Major Gift Associate to join the Alumni Affairs & Development division in the College of Human Ecology.

About the College

The College of Human Ecology’s mission is to improve lives by exploring and shaping human connections to natural, social and built environments. High-quality education, research and public engagement are the cornerstones of the college, which prioritizes innovative collaboration and is fueled by a powerful, interdisciplinary, and applied (translational) approach.

Human Ecology Alumni Affairs and Development advances this mission by inspiring philanthropy and engagement from alumni, parents, and friends. Our work enriches the lives of Human Ecology graduates and strengthens the personal, intellectual, and career returns of their degree over time.

About the opportunity

Based on the Ithaca campus, the Major Gift Associate (MGA) will work collaboratively with gift officers, Deans, faculty, and staff across the University to accomplish the development goals of the College. 

The MGA will assist three Major Gift Officers (MGOs), each of whom manages a portfolio of donors or prospective donors with the potential to make gifts of $250K to $10 million. The MGA is responsible for working collaboratively with gift officers to support a comprehensive strategy for each prospect household. This will include preparing customized written communications such as briefings, correspondence, acknowledgements, proposals, gift documentation, and nominations which will be utilized by gift officers, Deans, faculty, and key alumni volunteers. The MGA will acquire and maintain in-depth knowledge of Human Ecology fundraising priorities, programs, and initiatives in order to develop these communications as well as other various fundraising materials and cases for support.

The MGA will also oversee a thorough stewardship plan major gift donors. Focus will be given to those with endowed funds, ensuring proper stewardship and reporting takes place in a timely manner.

Key Responsibilities

Draft correspondence for use by the Deans, faculty, and gift officers for a variety of purposes, including meeting follow-up, acknowledgement letters, notes of congratulations, etc.

Develop briefing materials, talking points, and other supporting materials for meetings with prospective donors. Research and gather information as necessary to ensure accuracy of materials and information that reflects prospect’s interests and involvements. Clarify, synthesize, and customize information to the intended audience.

In conjunction with MGOs, develop appropriate documents requesting philanthropic support from Human Ecology’s closest alumni and friends. This may include creation of formal proposals, letters, etc. and typically involves coordination with colleagues and administrators from across the College and campus.

Review prospect development and stewardship strategies with MGOs and facilitate connections within the College and University to support these strategies. This may include planning campus visits and coordinating speaking engagements.

Maintain in-depth knowledge of the College’s fundraising priorities and faculty research to develop cases for support and other relevant fundraising materials for internal and external audiences.

In collaboration with MGOs, develop and execute prospect stewardship strategies that demonstrate the impact of the donor’s generosity to Cornell. Oversee and manage stewardship for all endowed funds not stewarded by University Donor Relations.

Stay informed of all Committee on Memorials and Named Facilities policies, manage submission process, and maintain accurate database of all named spaces opportunities within the College.

Core Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with three to five years of work experience or equivalent in fundraising, development, communications, or project management.

Strong interpersonal skills and effective communication skills, both written and oral. Ability to use persuasive writing is a must.

Must be well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize assignments for completion in a timely manner.

Ability to work with individuals from across the university, at all levels, as well as with key alumni, donors, and volunteers.

Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition, as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. Benefits include:

Comprehensive health care options

Access to wellness programs

Employee discounts with local and national retail brands

Generous retirement contributions

Leave provisions including three weeks of vacation and 12 holidays

Impressive educational benefits including tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program

Learn more about benefit opportunities

This position is based in Ithaca, NY with hybrid work arrangements, which means 2 or 3 days on campus and the remainder remotely within a commutable distance.

No Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

  

   

University Job Title:

Gift Associate II

Job Family:

Alumni Affairs Development

Level:

F

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$70,208.00 - $81,593.00

Remote Option Availability:

Hybrid

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Laura Clark

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

Prior relevant work or industry experience

Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

Unique applicable skills

Academic Discipline

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Union Positions

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

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2025-02-03